lo siento, no entiendo
The English phrase "sorry, I don't understand" is expressed in Spanish as lo siento, no entiendo.
This is a polite phrase used to tell someone that you do not comprehend what they have said. After saying lo siento, no entiendo, it is natural to follow up with ¿Puede repetir, por favor? to ask the speaker to repeat themselves.
Which one should you use?
While lo siento, no entiendo is standard, you can use perdón, no entiendo to say "pardon, I don't understand". Replacing lo siento with perdón is a common and slightly more concise way to express "sorry" or "pardon" when interrupting to ask for clarification. Additionally, no comprendo is a synonym for no entiendo and the two can be used interchangeably in this context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Disculpa, no pillo is commonly used to mean "Sorry, I don't get it."
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a quick hand gesture of touching the chest while saying lo siento adds a layer of sincerity to the apology.
- In certain Latin American contexts, saying lo siento can sometimes sound more profound or heavy, as if you are expressing genuine sorrow or grief, rather than just a minor misunderstanding.
- The word siento in lo siento comes from the verb sentir, which means 'to feel'. While it translates to 'I am sorry', a literal translation would be 'I feel it', as if you are physically experiencing the weight of the situation.
Examples in context
- ¿Puede explicarme cómo llegar a la plaza?Can you explain to me how to get to the square?
- He estado hablando sobre el proyecto durante un ratoI have been talking about the project for a while
- Me gustaría cenar en un buen restaurante esta nocheI would like to have dinner at a nice restaurant tonight
- Vamos a analizar las implicaciones del cambio climáticoLet's analyze the implications of climate change
- ¡El concierto estuvo de lujo!The concert was amazing!
- ¡Qué rollo! Estuvimos en un atasco enormeWhat a hassle! We were stuck in a huge traffic jam
- Lo siento, no entiendo su pregunta.Sorry, I don't understand your question.
- Lo siento, no entiendo lo que dice.Sorry, I don't understand what you are saying.
- Lo siento, no entiendo el plan.Sorry, I don't understand the plan.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking at a cafe.
- LucíaHola Daniel, ¿cómo estuvo tu viaje?Hello Daniel, how was your trip?
- DanielFue increíble, pero el vuelo tuvo un retraso.It was incredible, but the flight had a delay.
- LucíaLo siento, no entiendo. ¿Puedes repetir eso?Sorry, I don't understand. Can you repeat that?
- DanielSí, claro. El vuelo llegó tarde.Yes, of course. The flight arrived late.
